california attorney obligation to turn over electronic data when relationship terminated

Do lawyers have to turn over electronic files?

Jan 29, 2014 · If the electronic file material would be useful, helpful, or assist the client in prosecuting or pursuing the client’s interest in the matter or litigation, then, the opinion reasons, the attorney must provide the electronic file. Lastly some attorneys will attempt to refuse to turn over the client file until a substitution of attorney is filed. This is dangerous. First the client file …

Does an attorney have to turnover a client's file?

The client is entitled to discharge the attorney at any time, and the attorney is ethically obligated to turn over the file, or any part of it, upon the client's request once the attorney's employment has terminated, or at any earlier point where the attorney can do so without impairing his or her obligations to act competently on behalf of the client and to fulfill any outstanding obligations …

What are the rules for termination of employment in California?

Chapter 1. Lawyer-Client Relationship (Rules 1.1 – 1.18) 5 [2] A lawyer may comply with paragraph (a)(3) by providing to the client copies of significant documents by electronic or other means. This rule does not prohibit a lawyer from seeking recovery of the lawyer’s expense in any subsequent legal proceeding.

What happens to client papers when a lawyer terminates?

Mar 14, 2016 · California Rule of Professional Conduct 3-700(A)(2) and (D), as well as ABA Model Rule 1.16(d), require that attorneys take reasonable steps to avoid prejudice to their clients’ rights when a representation ends, including giving the client due notice of termination, allowing time for a client to get other counsel, and promptly returning unearned advance fees and other papers …

How long does an attorney have to keep client files in California?

five yearsThe Los Angeles County Bar Association concluded that a civil attorney should retain potentially significant papers and property in the former client's file for at least five years analogous to Rule 4-100(B)(3) of the California Rules of Professional Conduct, which requires an attorney to maintain all records of client ...

Does my attorney have to give me my file California?

The attorney must release the file to the client or the client's successor attorney even if the client already has a copy of all or part of the file.

When can an attorney withdraw from representation California?

Paragraph (b)(5) permits withdrawal when a client breaches any agreement or obligation to the lawyer, including those not related to an agreement or obligation for fees or expenses. The lawyer must warn the client before withdrawing under the circumstances.

Which rule under the California Rules of Professional Conduct prohibit the unauthorized practice of law?

Paragraph (b)(1) prohibits lawyers from practicing law in California unless otherwise entitled to practice law in this state by court rule or other law.

What constitutes a client file California?

California defines “client papers and properties” and then notes two exceptions. California Rule of Professional Conduct 3-700(D)(1) defines “client papers and property” to include “correspondence, pleadings, deposition transcripts, exhibits, physical evidence, expert reports, and other items reasonably necessary to ...

Can you request your files from your lawyer?

You can ask your lawyer to send the files directly to you or your new attorney, in which case the safest way to make the request is in writing, via letter or email. ... Your attorney should not charge you a fee for copying the documents in your file.Apr 9, 2015

Why do lawyers drop clients?

Lawyers can withdraw based on the fact their client refuses to be truthful, refuses to follow the attorney's advice, demands to pursue an unethical course of action, demands unrealistic results, desires to mislead the Court, refuses to cooperate with their counsel as well as countless other reasons.

How do I withdraw an attorney in California?

Ask the client to sign a substitution of attorney form to voluntarily relieve you. Explain that if a substitution is not forthcoming by a set deadline, you will move to withdraw. Explain the advantages of a voluntary substitution.

Can an attorney withdraw from a case?

A lawyer may withdraw his services from his client only in the following instances: (a) when a client insists upon an unjust or immoral conduct of his case; (b) when the client insists that the lawyer pursue conduct violative of the Code of Professional Responsibility; (c) when the client has two or more retained ...

How do you cite the California Rules of Professional Conduct?

For a California statute, give the name of the code and the section number. For example, "Code of Civil Procedure, section 1011" or "Family Code, section 3461." For a federal statute, cite to the United States Code (abbreviated U.S.C.). For example, "28 U.S.C. section 351."

Which California professional rule of conduct addresses the issue of conflict of interest?

rule 1.7On November 1, 2018, new and revised Rules of Professional Conduct become effective for all California lawyers. One, rule 1.7—that each of us will have to address, perhaps every day—is a complete revision of the current conflict of interest rule, rule 3-310.Nov 1, 2018

What rule discusses a lawyer taking a case just to delay the proceeding?

California Rule Proposed rule 3.2 prohibits a lawyer from using means that have no substantial purpose other than to delay or prolong a proceeding, or to cause needless expense.

What is the rule of a lawyer?

Subject to rule 1.2.1, a lawyer shall abide by a client’s decisions concerning the objectives of representation and, as required by rule 1.4, shall reasonably* consult with the client as to the means by which they are to be pursued. Subject to Business and Professions Code section 6068, subdivision (e)(1) and rule 1.6, a lawyer may take such action on behalf of the client as is impliedly authorized to carry out the representation. A lawyer shall abide by a client’s decision whether to settle a matter. Except as otherwise provided by law in a criminal case, the lawyer shall abide by the client’s decision, after consultation with the lawyer, as to a plea to be entered, whether to waive jury trial and whether the client will testify.

Can a lawyer counsel a client?

A lawyer shall not counsel a client to engage, or assist a client in conduct that the lawyer knows* is criminal, fraudulent,* or a violation of any law, rule, or ruling of a tribunal.*

What is the duty of undivided loyalty?

The duty of undivided loyalty to a current client prohibits undertaking representation directly adverse to that client without that client’s informed written consent.* Thus, absent consent, a lawyer may not act as an advocate in one matter against a person* the lawyer represents in some other matter, even when the matters are wholly unrelated. (See Flatt v. Superior Court (1994) 9 Cal.4th 275 [36 Cal.Rptr.2d 537].) A directly adverse conflict under paragraph (a) can arise in a number of ways, for example, when: (i) a lawyer accepts representation of more than one client in a matter in which the interests of the clients actually conflict; (ii) a lawyer, while representing a client, accepts in another matter the representation of a person* who, in the first matter, is directly adverse to the lawyer’s client; or (iii) a lawyer accepts representation of a person* in a matter in which an opposing party is a client of the lawyer or the lawyer’s law firm.* Similarly, direct adversity can arise when a lawyer cross-examines a non-party witness who is the lawyer’s client in another matter, if the examination is likely to harm or embarrass the witness. On the other hand, simultaneous representation in unrelated matters of clients whose interests are only economically adverse, such as representation of competing economic enterprises in unrelated litigation, does not ordinarily constitute a conflict of interest and thus may not require informed written consent* of the respective clients.

Can a lawyer represent a client without written consent?

A lawyer shall not , without informed written consent* from each client and compliance with paragraph (d), represent a client if the representation is directly adverse to another client in the same or a separate matter.

What is an other pecuniary interest?

[1] A lawyer has an “other pecuniary interest adverse to a client” within the meaning of this rule when the lawyer possesses a legal right to significantly impair or prejudice the client’s rights or interests without court action. (See Fletcher v. Davis (2004) 33 Cal.4th 61, 68 [14 Cal.Rptr.3d 58]; see also Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6175.3 [Sale of financial products to elder or dependent adult clients; Disclosure]; Fam. Code, §§ 2033-2034 [Attorney lien on community real property].)However, this rule does not apply to a charging lien given to secure payment of a contingency fee. (See Plummer v. Day/Eisenberg, LLP (2010) 184 Cal.App.4th 38 [108 Cal.Rptr.3d 455].)

Can a lawyer enter into a business transaction with a client?

lawyer shall not enter into a business transaction with a client, or knowingly* acquire an ownership, possessory, security or other pecuniary interest adverse to a client, unless each of the following requirements has been satisfied:

What happens after a lawyer terminates a client relationship?

[1] After termination of a lawyer-client relationship, the lawyer owes two duties to a former client. The lawyer may not (i) do anything that will injuriously affect the former client in any matter in which the lawyer represented the former client, or (ii) at any time use against the former client knowledge or information acquired by virtue of the previous relationship. (See Oasis West Realty, LLC v. Goldman (2011) 51 Cal.4th 811 [124 Cal.Rptr.3d 256]; Wutchumna Water Co. v. Bailey (1932) 216 Cal. 564 [15 P.2d 505].) For example, (i) a lawyer could not properly seek to rescind on behalf of a new client a contract drafted on behalf of the former client and (ii) a lawyer who has prosecuted an accused person* could not represent the accused in a subsequent civil action against the government concerning the same matter. (See also Bus. & Prof. Code, § 6131; 18 U.S.C. § 207(a).) These duties exist to preserve a client’s trust in the lawyer and to encourage the client’s candor in communications with the lawyer.

What is the Delaware Rules of Professional Conduct?

Rule 1.16 of the Delaware Lawyers’ Rules of Professional Conduct states that “upon termination of representation,” a lawyer must provide to the client the “papers and property to which the client is entitled,” but does not explain what “papers and property” means. The Delaware Rules of Professional Conduct, like the ethical rules adopted in many ...

What is Model Rule 1.16?

The court concluded that the majority of jurisdictions have interpreted Model Rule 1.16 as requiring a lawyer to provide a former client with the entire litigation file, with a few narrow exceptions. Courts adopting this approach have reasoned that ...

What is the ethical duty of an attorney?

A recent court ruling has cemented the majority view that attorneys have an ethical duty to turn over their entire file to clients upon termination of representation, including privileged communications and confidential settlement agreements.

What was the TCV IV v Tradingscreen case?

The dispute in TCV IV L.P. v. Tradingscreen, Inc. began after a group of shareholders sued the company’s CEO and board of directors for breach of fiduciary duty. A majority of the board then voted to oust the CEO, but the CEO refused to accept the decision. The remaining board members filed another lawsuit to determine whether the CEO remained in place. Although the CEO and board members were represented by a single law firm during the first lawsuit, the ousted CEO and his board member brother took positions adverse to the other board members during the second lawsuit, creating a conflict that required their lawyers to withdraw.

William James Kopeny

In most states the Rules of Professional Conduct require under penalty of attorney discipline that the attorney return the clients "papers" upon request, and in a prompt manner. In fact, even if the attorney claims money is owed to the attorney by the client, his/her ethical duty is to return the file, not hold it for ransom until paid.

Matthew Scott Berkus

Lee gave a great answer and seems to be tailored to NJ. I would add the general points that your question raises some issues (nuance) beyond the core question of whether the attorney must turn over the file. To the bare question, must an attorney turnover a client file, yes. However, your question raises issues of "what" constitutes the file.

Lee A Gronikowski

The entire file must be given to the client upon request. The lawyer may retain a copy of the file, and the lawyer may charge a reasonable fee for copying it. Personal property of the client, such as a will or a contract, must always be given to the client upon request. The lawyer does not have to turn over his personal notes or research.

What is factual work product?

As a client, you're absolutely entitled to factual work product concerning your case, such as deposition testimony, correspondence, and court filings . These materials are crucial to getting your new lawyer up to speed on a case. For example, if you are in the midst of litigation but trial has not yet occurred, you will want all discovery, motions filed, and documents produced by the other side.

Do you have to hand over documents to an attorney?

Upon request, an attorney is required to promptly hand over the contents of your case files. Under the American Bar Association's Model Rule 1.16 (d) (which has been adopted by most U.S. states), an attorney must, to comply with ethical and professional standards, " [surrender] papers and property to which the client is entitled and [refund] any advance payment of fee or expense that has not been earned or incurred" as soon as the representation is terminated.

Client Seeks Entire File After Termination of Representation

• The dispute inTCV IV L.P. v. Tradingscreen, Inc.began after a group of shareholders sued the company’s CEO and board of directors for breach of fiduciary duty. A majority of the board then voted to oust the CEO, but the CEO refused to accept the decision. The remaining board members filed another lawsuit to determine whether the CEO remained in place. Although the CEO and bo…

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Entire File vs. End Product

Case Law Provides Clarity